The ‘Derby Della Madonnina’ Takes Centre Stage

SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can look forward to a classic Serie A rivalry, as Internazionale and AC Milan meet at the San Siro Stadium on the evening of Saturday 5 February 2022.

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This battle between the Nerazzurri and the Rossoneri, known as the ‘Derby Della Madonnina’, is not only a renewal of one of the great rivalries of Italian football but is also set to be a key match in the race for the Scudetto.

Inter will be hoping to remain on the path for a defense of their title, with midfielder Nicolo Barella aiming to continue his growth into one of the best in his position in Europe. “I tried to learn as much as I could and then I trained on the pitch until night with all the energy and the determination of the player that you see today,” said the 24-year-old. “If I could give advice to my younger self, I would probably say to give himself some time, because with time and determination one can always improve.”

Milan manager Stefano Pioli, meanwhile, has argued that Inter remains the very clear favorites for the title, despite his side’s fine campaign thus far: “I read Max Allegri’s statements about Interbeing favorites and us, Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, and Roma being behind them, but we have to think game by game. We’re not thinking about the table.”

Key players

Nicolo Barella – The all-action midfielder has been one of the driving forces behind Inter’s fine campaign thus far, and he will be determined to put in a strong showing against arch-rivals AC Milan.

Rafael Leao – The Portuguese attacker has come on in leaps and bounds this season, but he still needs to prove his big-game mentality – this high-profile derby offers him the opportunity to do exactly that.

Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head stats, Inter and Milan have met in 229 matches across all competitions since their first meeting back in 1909. The Nerazzurri have claimed 84 wins compared to 77 for the Rossoneri, while 68 games have been drawn.

When the teams met earlier this season, at the San Siro in November 2021, they played out a 1-1 draw thanks to a strike from Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu (against his former team) and an own goal from Stefan de Vrij.

Battles to watch

Simone Inzaghi v Stefano Pioli – Inzaghi is the more progressive tactician compared to the pragmatism of Pioli, but all bets will be off for this ‘blood and thunder’ derby where anything goes!

Edin Dzeko v Fikayo Tomori – Tomori’s development into a top-class center-back will be put to a stern test by veteran Dzeko, who has the power, physicality, and nous to cause major trouble for any direct opponent.

Hakan Calhanoglu v Sandro Tonali – Calhanoglu will look to direct proceedings (and perhaps score another goal!) against his former team, but he’s sure to be hassled and harried by Milan’s hard-working Tonali.

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